DWAIN McFarlane has caught the eye in his brief appearances as a substitute for Worcester City this season and the 18-year-old has a bright future ahead of him.

He nearly became an instant hero when he almost scored a last-minute winner at Merthyr Tydfil during a Dr Martens Premier Division clash.

The teenager made his debut during City's 4-1 defeat at Kettering Town in the second game of the season but his lively appearances have caught the attention of many at St George's Lane.

Reserve team manager, Geoff Ashby, is a big fan of the former West Bromwich Albion trainee and saw him score in City's 5-1 midweek win at Hereford United in the Central Conference.

The teenager is from Worcester and Ashby was quick to pick him up once Albion no longer required his services.

"He's only 18 but we got him straight away and he has been exceptional," said Ashby.

When quizzed on his strengths Ashby said it is the fact other players can't get the ball off him. "Obviously he's still only a young lad but he's definitely got potential - he's different class," he said.

"He puts me on the edge of my seat when he gets the ball in the final third of the pitch. He's got pace, is tricky and scores goals as well."

Another player to score in midweek was Lee Goodman, 17, a left-sided player who has made it to the first team substitutes' bench a couple of times.

Goodman, who can also play up front, is part of Ray Woods' new academy set-up at the club and Ashby believes he could soon push for a first-team place.

Ashby is looking to boost his reserve squad after many of the best Worcester youngsters linked up with the academy but admits it is harder because he is having to look further afield.